Tough Love

‘Tough Love’ is the intimate new EP from Brighton-born singer-songwriter IYAMAH.

The project takes its name from a lyric in the opening track ‘Diamond in the Rough’, a song which appears in two seperate parts across the EP. It refers to the mixed emotions of love and pain, angels and demons, and wants and needs. IYAMAH explores these themes throughout Tough Love and its cover art, using funk-infused neo-soul as her vehicle.

To the sound of stripped-back guitar lines, the project begins with IYAMAH’s earnest vocals and layered harmonies taking centre stage. Over eight tracks we’re then treated to elegant keys, moreish horns and percussion that resonates in the heart.

High Focus lyricist Coops holds down the EP’s only guest spot on its lead single ‘More’, (which we’ve also covered on the blog along with the internally conflicted ‘Sofa’). Standout track ‘Ego’ precedes the raw interlude ‘Cake’ at the halfway mark, before the project picks up its groove for the remainder of its fleeting runtime.

IYAMAH’s Tough Love carries the torch for that smooth, UK R&B that makes your body move. Stream it everywhere now.